Manchester United's search for a new striker has taken a hit with their top target Viktor Gyokeres' Sporting Lisbon exit now not as straightforward as first believed
09:44, 12 Jun 2025
LISBON, PORTUGAL - MAY 25: Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting looks on during the Portuguese Cup final match between SL Benfica and Sporting CP at Estadio Nacional do Jamor on May 25, 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Pedro Loureiro/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
Viktor Gyokeres is willing to strike to force a summer transfer(Image: Eurasia Sport Images, Getty Images)
Manchester United's attention has now turned to a new top target up front after missing out on Liam Delap.
Viktor Gyokeres has become their prime target following an impressive two-year stint with Sporting Lisbon. The 27-year-old has led them to back-to-back Primeira Liga titles, as well as this season's Taca de Portugal.
Sporting are believed to be open to selling him, although they have increased the initial asking price. This has deterred several interested parties, with Gyokeres becoming increasingly frustrated over the lack of progress. So much so that the Swedish striker is now threatening to strike to force a move.
This comes as Sporting manager Rui Borges gave a cryptic update on the striker's future. Meanwhile, Brighton star Pervis Estupinan has made a clear appeal to potential suitors.
United have been strongly linked with a move for the Ecuador international and his comments could boost their pursuit. Here, the Daily Star Sport looks at the latest Manchester United transfer news.
Gyokeres to 'go on strike'
Viktor Gyokeres
Viktor Gyokeres has been left fuming by Sporting(Image: Valter Gouveia/NurPhoto)
Article continues below
Viktor Gyokeres is prepared to go on strike to push through a transfer away from Sporting Lisbon. The Swedish star has become one of Europe's most sought-after talents, having netted 97 goals in two years in Portugal.
However, he is growing increasingly frustrated over the lack of movement regarding a potential transfer. Sporting appear to be making things difficult for interested parties, which has infuriated Gyokeres, who has made his intentions to move clear.
In a bid to force an exit, Record reports that Gyokeres has told the Portuguese champions he will not play for them again. The striker reportedly feels 'disrespected' by Sporting chiefs and is upset over broken promises.
Estupinan plea
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - MAY 19: Pervis Estupinan of Brighton & Hove Albion looks on during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion FC and Liverpool FC at Amex Stadium on May 19, 2025 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Pervis Estupinan wants to leave Brighton(Image: Mike Hewitt, Getty Images)
Brighton left-back Pervis Estupinan has confessed he's looking to leave the Seagulls this summer. Since his arrival from Villarreal, he has caught the eye of Manchester United with his impressive performances.
"The truth is they have been three years in Brighton with a lot of learning," Estupinan admitted. "But this will be a transfer market with a lot of movement. The club know that I would like to grow, that I would like to keep growing.
"The club have understood this. I've spoken to the club. The club have given me this bit of freedom to be able to make a decision. Now we will try to see better what is on the table and to see where we can go."
Sporting boss' cryptic Gyokeres update
Sporting Lisbon's manager Rui Borges has refused to confirm Viktor Gyokeres' future at the club.
Article continues below
The striker is eager to secure a move this summer but the Portuguese giants don't want to let him go, causing a rift to form. And Borges has refused to discuss the future of the Swede, as he was honoured by his hometown of Mirandela.
"Gyökeres? Sporting's future begins on July 1st. That's all I can say and today I'm here to, above all, salute this tribute that was paid to me. That's all. I'm on vacation, I'm not here to talk about that", Borges remarked.